Michelin unveils tyre with 18% longer life
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By David Wilcox
MICHELIN is claiming that a new 175in drive-axle tyre for light trucks up to 16-tonne GVVV offers 18% longer tread life than its predecessor, coupled with a reduction in rolling resistance and noise too.
The X Multi D tyre is part of Michelin's Multi range, aimed at regional operations. Offered in four 175in sizes — 215/75,225/75, 235/75 and 245/70 — it replaces the XDE2 175in drive-axle tyre. Under the EU tyre labelling system, the tyre has a D rating for rolling resistance and a C for wet grip. It is also unusually quiet, with a noise rating of 69dB — a
reduction of 5dB compared with the XDE, which translates into a 50% cut in tyre noise. The reduction in rolling resistance is 12%. The tyre also carries the new
mountain peak and snowflake symbol, denoting that it meets the definition of a snow tyre as defined by specific snow traction and braking tests set out in UNECE Regulation No 117-02.
A new European regulation, (EC) 661/2009 implemented in November last year, means tyres marketed as snow tyres must meet this standard, unlike those that carry the undefined M+S (mud and snow) marking.
"Our biggest challenge was designing a tyre that could offer so many improvements without compromising performance," said Guy Heywood, commercial director of the Michelin truck tyre division in the UK and Ireland.